Die jong kind se belewenis van intensiewe sportdeelname

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the experiences of young children
who participate intensively in sport. The literature study brought to light the fact that
factors such as the experience of success in sport, self-image, competition anxiety,
sportsmanship and spectator behaviour influence the young child\'s experience of
sport. A measuring instrument was developed with six main sections to measure the
young child\'s experience of sport. These sections are experience of enjoyment in
sport, pressure to perform in sport, competition anxiety, sportsmanship, spectator
behaviour and the desire to withdraw from sport. The results of the investigation
showed that, broadly speaking, young children experience intensive participation in
sport far more negatively than parents and coaches would suppose. Girls also
experience intensive participation in sport more negatively than boys, while
individual sport types are inclined to be more stressful for young children than team
sports. Competition anxiety, followed by spectator behaviour and pressure to perform
are experienced most negatively by young children who participate extensively in
sport. Parents\' and coaches\' misperceptions of their childrens\'/athletes\' experience
of sport largely correspond.

Keywords: Intensive sport participation; Young children; Perceptions of parents and coaches.

SAJRSPER Vol. 30 (1) 2008 pp. 75-88